Comments for Cycle World http://blog.cycleworld.com Blog Posts from your favorite CW editors Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:36:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on 2012 Honda Gold Wing Released by steve a http://blog.cycleworld.com/2011/02/2012-honda-gold-wing-released/comment-page-1/#comment-1448173 steve a Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:36:22 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=2915#comment-1448173 I Test Rode the 2012,  Gold Wing.  And not  convinced that my 2001 needs to go . I will keep My  2001 until I see some real improvments on the new GWs.   I Test Rode the 2012,  Gold Wing.  And not  convinced that my 2001 needs to go . I will keep My  2001 until I see some real improvments on the new GWs.  

]]> Comment on Fear of Falling and the Three-Wheel Deal – Steve Thompson by Rudi http://blog.cycleworld.com/2012/01/fear-of-falling-and-the-three-wheel-deal-steve-thompson/comment-page-1/#comment-1447103 Rudi Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:26:14 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=4153#comment-1447103 OK, I am not quite one of the people this article is aimed at (I hope) but to be honest my first reaction to the Spyder was "What foul sorcery is this?". To me, personally, the problem with the Spyder IS the lack of leaning. Anything with 3 wheels is not a motorBike and loses one of the major aspects of riding to me PERSONALLY and I would NOT willingly give up my 2 wheels for 3. On the other hand, I have no problem with the Spyder being accepted as a motorCycle and as you point out it is really just the leaning (important as that is to me) that is different. I have no trouble riding out there with the 3 wheelers - we have our differences but we still have a common bond. If we are not brothers/sisters then we are surely still cousins. If it works for you I would rather see you out there on 3 wheels than being stuck at home or in a cage. Should health stop me riding on 2 wheels I will certainly miss it but go to 3 wheels to keep riding? You bet I will. Peace and ride safe. OK, I am not quite one of the people this article is aimed at (I hope) but to be honest my first reaction to the Spyder was “What foul sorcery is this?”.
To me, personally, the problem with the Spyder IS the lack of leaning. Anything with 3 wheels is not a motorBike and loses one of the major aspects of riding to me PERSONALLY and I would NOT willingly give up my 2 wheels for 3.
On the other hand, I have no problem with the Spyder being accepted as a motorCycle and as you point out it is really just the leaning (important as that is to me) that is different. I have no trouble riding out there with the 3 wheelers – we have our differences but we still have a common bond. If we are not brothers/sisters then we are surely still cousins.
If it works for you I would rather see you out there on 3 wheels than being stuck at home or in a cage. Should health stop me riding on 2 wheels I will certainly miss it but go to 3 wheels to keep riding? You bet I will.
Peace and ride safe.

]]> Comment on Fear of Falling and the Three-Wheel Deal – Steve Thompson by Peter http://blog.cycleworld.com/2012/01/fear-of-falling-and-the-three-wheel-deal-steve-thompson/comment-page-1/#comment-1419939 Peter Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:55:13 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=4153#comment-1419939 I guess the point of this blog entry is, don't be mean to people who ride three-wheeled vehicles. And also, try not to make fun of them. I guess the point of this blog entry is, don’t be mean to people who ride three-wheeled vehicles. And also, try not to make fun of them.

]]> Comment on Fear of Falling and the Three-Wheel Deal – Steve Thompson by RC Cowan http://blog.cycleworld.com/2012/01/fear-of-falling-and-the-three-wheel-deal-steve-thompson/comment-page-1/#comment-1417323 RC Cowan Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:39:59 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=4153#comment-1417323 An interesting and, quite obviously, opinion-ridden maching (no pun intended). Seems it isn't really important what it's called, given that most states have already decided what it will be licensed as - a motorcycle or an unreal something else. It's also possible to argue that if handling, braking, advanced safety features, comfort and carrying capability make a "real" motorcycle, then there are a number of "real" motorcycles on the market that aren't "real" after all. It's rather amusing that those who claim not to "get It' aren't the least bit shy about criticizing it. How can one criticize something one doesn't "get" - that is to say understand? On second thought, never mind. We've collectively been doing that since we learned to walk upright. It's sad that we seem to be unable to enjoy what we choose to ride and without ridiculing what others choose to ride - for whatever reason. BTW, Steve, it that you and your bride aboard the RT-S in the photograph? An interesting and, quite obviously, opinion-ridden maching (no pun intended). Seems it isn’t really important what it’s called, given that most states have already decided what it will be licensed as – a motorcycle or an unreal something else. It’s also possible to argue that if handling, braking, advanced safety features, comfort and carrying capability make a “real” motorcycle, then there are a number of “real” motorcycles on the market that aren’t “real” after all. It’s rather amusing that those who claim not to “get It’ aren’t the least bit shy about criticizing it. How can one criticize something one doesn’t “get” – that is to say understand? On second thought, never mind. We’ve collectively been doing that since we learned to walk upright. It’s sad that we seem to be unable to enjoy what we choose to ride and without ridiculing what others choose to ride – for whatever reason. BTW, Steve, it that you and your bride aboard the RT-S in the photograph?

]]> Comment on Fear of Falling and the Three-Wheel Deal – Steve Thompson by SE Parsons http://blog.cycleworld.com/2012/01/fear-of-falling-and-the-three-wheel-deal-steve-thompson/comment-page-1/#comment-1404516 SE Parsons Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:57:11 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=4153#comment-1404516 3-wheeled vehicles can be neat...for example, the old 3-wheeled Morgans. But I don't "get" the appeal of the Can Am Spyder, nor that of trikes and sidecar setups (altho they can be neat in and of themselves). You get all the discomforts and danger of a motorcycle, except that it won't fall over if you forget to put your foot down at a stop, with none of the comforts or safety of a car. Seems to me the biggest disadvantage of the Spyder, trike or sidecar is that it's steered by a handlebar, which requires a big, somewhat unnatural movement of your upper body to steer it around the corner, whereas a 2-wheeled motorcycle steers with not much more then "thought". A 3-wheeler with a steering wheel and driving position more like a car would be much more appealing...at least as I see it. Morgans had steering wheels. 3-wheeled vehicles can be neat…for example, the old 3-wheeled Morgans. But I don’t “get” the appeal of the Can Am Spyder, nor that of trikes and sidecar setups (altho they can be neat in and of themselves). You get all the discomforts and danger of a motorcycle, except that it won’t fall over if you forget to put your foot down at a stop, with none of the comforts or safety of a car. Seems to me the biggest disadvantage of the Spyder, trike or sidecar is that it’s steered by a handlebar, which requires a big, somewhat unnatural movement of your upper body to steer it around the corner, whereas a 2-wheeled motorcycle steers with not much more then “thought”. A 3-wheeler with a steering wheel and driving position more like a car would be much more appealing…at least as I see it. Morgans had steering wheels.

]]> Comment on Fear of Falling and the Three-Wheel Deal – Steve Thompson by dan http://blog.cycleworld.com/2012/01/fear-of-falling-and-the-three-wheel-deal-steve-thompson/comment-page-1/#comment-1397374 dan Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:31:18 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=4153#comment-1397374 I have both. I have a Yamaha Venture full dresser and a Spyder RT-S. The spyder is actually more like riding a snowmobile or an ATV than riding a bike (of any kind). For me the Spyder gives me much more confidence when bringing my wife along. Holding that 900 pound plus motorcycle with my wife on the back at a light with some gravel on the ground scares the blank out of me. there are advantages to both styles and just as I wave to all types of motorcyclists, we should all welcome each other as there is strength in numbers and those numbers might just count someday when we are fighting for our biking rights! I have both. I have a Yamaha Venture full dresser and a Spyder RT-S. The spyder is actually more like riding a snowmobile or an ATV than riding a bike (of any kind). For me the Spyder gives me much more confidence when bringing my wife along. Holding that 900 pound plus motorcycle with my wife on the back at a light with some gravel on the ground scares the blank out of me. there are advantages to both styles and just as I wave to all types of motorcyclists, we should all welcome each other as there is strength in numbers and those numbers might just count someday when we are fighting for our biking rights!

]]> Comment on Fear of Falling and the Three-Wheel Deal – Steve Thompson by JRey http://blog.cycleworld.com/2012/01/fear-of-falling-and-the-three-wheel-deal-steve-thompson/comment-page-1/#comment-1397321 JRey Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:10:23 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=4153#comment-1397321 I bought the Spyder RTS when it first came out. I have the special edition 00008 2010. My wife and I have driven from San Antonio, Tx to the Grand Canyon with my two brother in laws whom own harleys. It was interesting when their reverse was not working (Wife gets off and helps pull the bike backwards to park). I just push my button and we backup in place. Or if the wind is blowing I am stable. Safer than falling over and getting hurt. I want to ride and enjoy life. Btw I have a trick knee and unable to hold up a two wheel. I bought the Spyder RTS when it first came out. I have the special edition 00008 2010. My wife and I have driven from San Antonio, Tx to the Grand Canyon with my two brother in laws whom own harleys. It was interesting when their reverse was not working (Wife gets off and helps pull the bike backwards to park). I just push my button and we backup in place. Or if the wind is blowing I am stable. Safer than falling over and getting hurt. I want to ride and enjoy life. Btw I have a trick knee and unable to hold up a two wheel.

]]> Comment on Fear of Falling and the Three-Wheel Deal – Steve Thompson by Rickr http://blog.cycleworld.com/2012/01/fear-of-falling-and-the-three-wheel-deal-steve-thompson/comment-page-1/#comment-1390730 Rickr Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:07:01 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=4153#comment-1390730 I've been riding for longer than some of those who sneer at my Spyder have been on this earth. I enjoy being in the wind no matter what the brand but when the right hip gave out I could no longer hold the Valkyrie at a light, so I had to find another way. I triked the Valk but the Spyder is a better machine for my needs. If the Spyder had been around when I bought my early Harleys, Hondas and Suzukis, I think I may have seriously considered three wheels back then. I'm old enough now that I am not bothered by insults from bikers who think theirs is the only way. They just don't know any better. I’ve been riding for longer than some of those who sneer at my Spyder have been on this earth. I enjoy being in the wind no matter what the brand but when the right hip gave out I could no longer hold the Valkyrie at a light, so I had to find another way. I triked the Valk but the Spyder is a better machine for my needs. If the Spyder had been around when I bought my early Harleys, Hondas and Suzukis, I think I may have seriously considered three wheels back then. I’m old enough now that I am not bothered by insults from bikers who think theirs is the only way. They just don’t know any better.

]]> Comment on Fear of Falling and the Three-Wheel Deal – Steve Thompson by rj buchholz http://blog.cycleworld.com/2012/01/fear-of-falling-and-the-three-wheel-deal-steve-thompson/comment-page-1/#comment-1390437 rj buchholz Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:23:14 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=4153#comment-1390437 I have no issue with trikes......but they are not motorcycles. They are clearly more akin to motorcycles than cars, e.g., wind in your face, getting rained on, fearing left-turning SUVs, etc.  I rode a rig with a side-car for years (what was I thinking!), but sidecars, like trikes cannot  accurately  be equated with " Motorcycles". I have no issue with trikes……but they are not motorcycles. They are clearly more akin to motorcycles than cars, e.g., wind in your face, getting rained on, fearing left-turning SUVs, etc.  I rode a rig with a side-car for years (what was I thinking!), but sidecars, like trikes cannot  accurately  be equated with ” Motorcycles”.

]]> Comment on Fear of Falling and the Three-Wheel Deal – Steve Thompson by DL Nielsen http://blog.cycleworld.com/2012/01/fear-of-falling-and-the-three-wheel-deal-steve-thompson/comment-page-1/#comment-1382853 DL Nielsen Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:25:22 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=4153#comment-1382853 Since when is a unicycle not subject to the forces of gravity? Seems to me that a unicycle and its rider more truly "fight the force of nature called gravity" than a two-wheeler even if the rider looks a little funny. . . . Personally, I started out on a three-wheeler (called a tricycle), went to two-wheels (bicycles and motorcycles), and may end with a three-wheeler be it a trike conversion or a Spyder. I've thought about going from two wheels to a convertible but if a Spyder or trike conversion can help me recapture some of that fun from my youth I’d be all for it. I wore the tread off the front tire of my tricycle before I outgrew it and you could drift it, too. I’ve read so much about the Can-Am Spyder and talked to several different people who ride them that I’ve had to check them out a bit for myself. I can understand why so many of my older friends who can no longer hold up the weight of their big touring bikes are going to Gold Wing trike conversions and Spyders. More power to them. Someday I may be joining their ranks instead of riding along with them on my two-wheeler. Since when is a unicycle not subject to the forces of gravity? Seems to me that a unicycle and its rider more truly “fight the force of nature called gravity” than a two-wheeler even if the rider looks a little funny. . . . Personally, I started out on a three-wheeler (called a tricycle), went to two-wheels (bicycles and motorcycles), and may end with a three-wheeler be it a trike conversion or a Spyder. I’ve thought about going from two wheels to a convertible but if a Spyder or trike conversion can help me recapture some of that fun from my youth I’d be all for it. I wore the tread off the front tire of my tricycle before I outgrew it and you could drift it, too. I’ve read so much about the Can-Am Spyder and talked to several different people who ride them that I’ve had to check them out a bit for myself. I can understand why so many of my older friends who can no longer hold up the weight of their big touring bikes are going to Gold Wing trike conversions and Spyders. More power to them. Someday I may be joining their ranks instead of riding along with them on my two-wheeler.

]]> Comment on Fear of Falling and the Three-Wheel Deal – Steve Thompson by spirukas goblinono http://blog.cycleworld.com/2012/01/fear-of-falling-and-the-three-wheel-deal-steve-thompson/comment-page-1/#comment-1381386 spirukas goblinono Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:38:02 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=4153#comment-1381386 I'll try again.........Unicycle, Bicycle, Tricycle. A unicycle is for clowns, a tricycle is a three wheeled car, a motorcycle is a bicycle with a motor. Only on two wheels can man and machine combine to truly fight the force of nature called gravity. I’ll try again………Unicycle, Bicycle, Tricycle. A unicycle is for clowns, a tricycle is a three wheeled car, a motorcycle is a bicycle with a motor. Only on two wheels can man and machine combine to truly fight the force of nature called gravity.

]]> Comment on Fear of Falling and the Three-Wheel Deal – Steve Thompson by ED http://blog.cycleworld.com/2012/01/fear-of-falling-and-the-three-wheel-deal-steve-thompson/comment-page-1/#comment-1378930 ED Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:51:17 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=4153#comment-1378930 Amen. As someone who's physical limitations may soon require me to choose between giving up my two wheels or going to three, it is my intention to ride until I die. Whether it is on two or three wheels makes no difference to me and shouldn't make a difference to anyone else.  Amen. As someone who’s physical limitations may soon require me to choose between giving up my two wheels or going to three, it is my intention to ride until I die. Whether it is on two or three wheels makes no difference to me and shouldn’t make a difference to anyone else. 

]]> Comment on 2012 Honda Gold Wing Released by Denny http://blog.cycleworld.com/2011/02/2012-honda-gold-wing-released/comment-page-1/#comment-1240346 Denny Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:19:14 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=2915#comment-1240346 Just bought the 2012 Goldwing, traded in my 2000 1500 Goldwing. There are things I liked better on my 1500 but was waiting for a wider fairing before I'd buy a new one. Friends have the BMW and I've heard about the 1600 and have seen it. Crotch rocket with bags, for my riding, I need a Goldwing, if I want rocket speed, I;d get a new Yamaha V-MAX, 240 hp I think. But its not a touring machine either. Just bought the 2012 Goldwing, traded in my 2000 1500 Goldwing. There are things I liked better on my 1500 but was waiting for a wider fairing before I’d buy a new one. Friends have the BMW and I’ve heard about the 1600 and have seen it. Crotch rocket with bags, for my riding, I need a Goldwing, if I want rocket speed, I;d get a new Yamaha V-MAX, 240 hp I think. But its not a touring machine either.

]]> Comment on Dreaming?—By Kevin Cameron by oldironnow http://blog.cycleworld.com/2011/12/dreaming%e2%80%94by-kevin-cameron/comment-page-1/#comment-1238139 oldironnow Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:07:20 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=4137#comment-1238139 Depends on who ya are. A large number of people I meet on the highway everyday don't want to drive.  They are either absolutely afraid to pilot their vehicle with confidence, or it seems they would rather eat, talk, text, sleep, read, fight, or sing.  I think they'd enjoy the required trolley. Maybe, Mr. "C", we will be boxed into this nightmare-automated future, or continue to fart along as we do now... or we take a BIG leap backward. My nightmare-dream is a big-time deconstruction of the ordered chaos we call Western Civilization.  The third horn of the dilemma. Depends on who ya are.

A large number of people I meet on the highway everyday don’t want to drive.  They are either absolutely afraid to pilot their vehicle with confidence, or it seems they would rather eat, talk, text, sleep, read, fight, or sing.  I think they’d enjoy the required trolley.

Maybe, Mr. “C”, we will be boxed into this nightmare-automated future, or continue to fart along as we do now… or we take a BIG leap backward.

My nightmare-dream is a big-time deconstruction of the ordered chaos we call Western Civilization.  The third horn of the dilemma.

]]> Comment on Dreaming?—By Kevin Cameron by Fatfatboy http://blog.cycleworld.com/2011/12/dreaming%e2%80%94by-kevin-cameron/comment-page-1/#comment-1226197 Fatfatboy Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:03:17 +0000 http://blog.cycleworld.com/?p=4137#comment-1226197 Great read but my answer would be nightmare. That future sounds more like a prison sentence. Maybe, just maybe, something good has come of this set back of our economy. Its pushed this future further down the road. Great read but my answer would be nightmare. That future sounds more like a prison sentence.
Maybe, just maybe, something good has come of this set back of our economy. Its pushed this future further down the road.

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